Russian Military Says North Korean Missile Launch was IRBM, not ICBM

Russian military said North Korean missile launch was IRBM, not ICBM

North Korea launched another missile on Friday, causing concern in South Korea and Japan. Both countries condemned the latest missile launch.

“As a result of their launches of ICBM-level missiles, this clearly shows the threat to our nation’s safety is severe and real,” said Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Both the Pentagon and the South Korean military believe the launch was an ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile). Reuters reported that unnamed experts said the North Korean missile was capable of striking U.S. cities.

Russian military, however, released a contradicting report claiming that a missile launched by North Korea was IRBM (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile). Russian Defense Ministry said the weapon was fired at around 5:40pm Moscow time on July 28 from a firing range in Tongchang-dong, North Korea.

Earlier this month, North Korea reportedly tested its first ICBM Hwasong-14, the missile landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone, after it reached more than 2,500 km into space. North Korea also successfully conducted tests of shot and medium range ballistic missiles this year.

Tensions in the Korean peninsula remain extremely high. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused the North Korean regime of provocation, and mentioned the possibility of a military response.